Embrapa and Brazil Agriculture

For those following our blog you noted that we spent a week and a half in Brazil recently. While in Brazil we visited Embrapa, an agricultural research organization. While at Embrapa they shared a video, linked below, that tells a little bit of the story of agriculture in Brazil and Embrapa's role. We invite you to watch the video and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe.

Science and Agriculture

Discussion Points

• What information from the video surprised you and why?
• In your home country do you have a system similar to Embrapa? If so, what is the organization/structure? If not, is there a need for a similar organization/structure?
• Towards the end of the video several areas are mentioned to help face the challenge of feeding nine billion people by 2050 (precision agriculture, nanotechnology, genetic engineering, green chemistry, etc.). Of these areas mentioned in the video which do you feel will be the most useful practice/technique to help feed nine billion by 2050 and why?

Brazil Agribusiness and Irrigation

Today was our final full day in Brazil. We started the day at UnB with a presentation on Brazil Agribusiness. From there we made our way to the largest irrigation area in Brazil for producing crops. We were able to discover the techniques of irrigation crop production. Following our time at the farm they welcomed us to a BBQ and we celebrated a birthday as well. Here is today's video recap.

Pirenopolis Paradise

Today we had a great day hiking and swimming at Pirenopolis. It was a refreshing day in the natural spring waterfalls. After lunch we explored the historic town before making our way to Brasilia which will be our home base until our departure Saturday evening. Check out today’s video recap.

Feed Production and Processing in Brazil

Wednesday we had a little later start due to a late Tuesday night return. We had a great visit to a feed processing facility. They grew their own crops and then built their own processing facility from scratch. We were also able to visit a retail farm store before enjoying lunch and pool time. Here is a video recap of Wednesday.

Dairy and Grain Production in Brazil

Today was a long, but great day! We started off at Piracanjuba learning about dairy production in Brazil. They provide hands-on training for all aspects of dairy production. We then made our way to a large soybean, corn, and wheat farm. We were able to ask many questions and learn about their entire operation. They had six combines operating in the soybean field we visited. Here is a video recap from the day.

Research and Taking to the Fields

Today was a great day diving back into agriculture in Brazil! We started off the day by traveling to Embrapa just outside of Goiania. This Embrapa location conducts research in a variety of areas including (but not limited to) rice, beans, cotton, soybeans, corn, and beef cattle. Our visit was focused on the Embrapa structure, tours of different labs, and then we took to the fields to learn about upland rice research.

Next we made our way to the Universidade Federal de Goias to enjoy lunch at the agronomy campus before heading to the main campus to search for monkeys. We were not very successful as we only found one monkey. Next we headed to an organic farm that also rehabilitates wild animals. We got to check out anteaters, edible flowers, fruit production, vegetable production and discuss organic production in Brazil. We concluded our evening with a steak dinner before returning to our hotel and the roof top pool to reflect on our day. See the video recap from today below.

Relaxing Sunday in Brazil

Today was a great Sunday in Brazil! We started with a stroll in a local park, enjoyed much of our day hosted by Juarez and his family, checked out a soccer game, had some roof top time, and wrapped up the evening with dinner in yet another open air restaurant. Check out Sunday's video recap below!

Field Day in Brazil

Today we enjoyed time learning about crop production at the Ceres Field Day near Intumbiara. We discussed topics from seed genetics to fertilizers and chemicals. Following our time at the field day we traveled to Goiania which will serve as our home base through Thursday. We capped off a great day with dinner together and great conversations around the pool on the rooftop. Here is a short video review of our Saturday in Brazil.

Not Going to Sugar Coat It: Today was spectacular!

Today was a great first full day in Brazil! We took to the fields first thing in the morning exploring sugar cane production for sugar and ethanol. We then enjoyed a great lunch at a churrascaria before heading to Corteva in the afternoon. We wrapped up a great day with dinner with our friends from Brazil. Check out this video recap of the day!

Next Stop: Brazil

We are on our way to Brazil! Over the next week and a half students from Hawkeye Community College and Joliet Junior College will embark on agricultural and cultural excursions and experiences in Brazil. We encourage you to follow our adventures on this blog as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Wheels up!

Canada and China Agriculture Relationship

China and United States trade talks have dominated agricultural trade news in the United States over the last year. But what is happening between Canada and China? This week we take a closer look at an article highlighting trade between Canada and Asian countries. You are encouraged to read through the linked article and utilize the discussion questions below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Canada Sees Asian Demand

Discussion Points

• What is the overall trade relationship and picture between Canada and Asian countries? Be specific.
• What factors have driven the picture you described above?
• How have events around the world impacted this trade relationship?
• How is this trade relationship impacting the rest of the world?